I was at the bfi today and it should be noted this was not something Moffat said in relation to a direct question on the topic. He was there to introduce Tomb of the Cybermen and was talking about the story and why he and Matt rated it so highly, telling the rather charming story of Matt ringing him up to rave about how much he loved Troughton and how he knew from then on the bow tie was inevitable. He remarked light heartedly that Matt was off to make a film but that he would be back, he said it a couple of times actually.

I was at the bfi today and it should be noted this was not something Moffat said in relation to a direct question on the topic. He was there to introduce Tomb of the Cybermen and was talking about the story and why he and Matt rated it so highly, telling the rather charming story of Matt ringing him up to rave about how much he loved Troughton and how he knew from then on the bow tie was inevitable. He remarked light heartedly that Matt was off to make a film but that he would be back, he said it a couple of times actually.

Believe what you like, it was a light hearted, good humoured bit of a chatter off the cuff and not in response to any questions on the topic. I tend to feel that as I was there I am better placed to judge the context of the conversation than you, with all due respect.

Christmas special are usually filmed august/september so there could be time. He has 3 months to film his movie over the summer then come back.I do think 11s story is coming to a close. Expect it will be announced at the end of the year begining of 2014 that there will be a 12th doctor for S8.

I believe he's leaving. At some point. Name me one other Doctor actor who hasn't, at some point, left. Predicting that the actor will at some point resign hardly requires second sight.

Moffat said he'd be back after the movie. So looks like he will do at least one more story after the anniversary. And possibly many more. But Moffat hasn't said anything about how many. So even if Matt does push off before making a full 2014 series, it wouldn't contradict anything Moffat said.

Things may be fluid. Matt might want to go to Hollywood asap and at the same time regret having to leave behind this excellent role. Or contract negotiations etc might go the way of him staying. Which I'm sure he'd be very happy about too.

. All Matt has to do is come back after the movie and do one more thing and Moffat will have been correct and not at all misleading

The thing on many peoples minds is whether he'll be doing a full series 8. Moffat recently told us that they don't really want to tell us much more about the future until series 7b has aired. So he is being consistent by letting us know that Matt has not resigned, but won't go into detail....yet.

I prefer the current approach. Better for Moffat to say "we will provide further info in the summer" and keep relatively quiet otherwise. Which is better than last years pulse raising hyperbole.

Damn! I carefully used "left the role", being mindful of Colin and Bill's situations. But in Paul's case the role left him. Unless you mean the way he (and all the living classic doctors) seem to be currently playing the role on audio..... in which case the only way out of the role is to be six feet under. Or Christopher Eccleston.

Damn! I carefully used "left the role", being mindful of Colin and Bill's situations. But in Paul's case the role left him. Unless you mean the way he (and all the living classic doctors) seem to be currently playing the role on audio..... in which case the only way out of the role is to be six feet under. Or Christopher Eccleston.

But don't forget that Christopher Eccleston has categorically denied any involvement with the fiftieth anniversary mini series with almost certainly means that he will be back to do that...err..I think?

But don't forget that Christopher Eccleston has categorically denied any involvement with the fiftieth anniversary mini series with almost certainly means that he will be back to do that...err..I think?

Damn! I carefully used "left the role", being mindful of Colin and Bill's situations. But in Paul's case the role left him. Unless you mean the way he (and all the living classic doctors) seem to be currently playing the role on audio..... in which case the only way out of the role is to be six feet under. Or Christopher Eccleston.

Also, McCoy was only asked back at the behest of Philip Segal, so that was also a close thing with the end of his time in the role too.

But don't forget that Christopher Eccleston has categorically denied any involvement with the fiftieth anniversary mini series with almost certainly means that he will be back to do that...err..I think?

Oh yes. In fact Eccleston has said the most certain things about never doing it again (not bathing in the same river twice - which I think was him garbling a different sentiment but never mind).

So - his absolute denials lead me to think that Matt is indeed leaving and will regenerate into the twelfth Doctor....Christopher Eccleston.